[quote name='Rivalred' timestamp='1338409464' post='2303866']Sadly after going to game 4 and watching him, a few of us felt he was done.

Thank You Lids for all professionalism and dedication.[/quote]We were saying that same thing at that game, it could be the last time we see Lids on the ice. I'm glad we got to be there but wish the send off could have been better for him.

Thanks Offsides

"If I could sum up my career in Detroit, I was a perfect goalie for the team at the perfect time. I just wanted to be a Red Wing, that's it." Chris Osgood, July 19, 2011

[quote name='WizardOfOz30' timestamp='1338409766' post='2303874']We were saying that same thing at that game, it could be the last time we see Lids on the ice. I'm glad we got to be there but wish the send off could have been better for him.[/quote]Alumni game!

The hell with it, this isn't a funeral. This is a celebration of one of the best players to ever play the game. I feel so incredibly lucky to have seen this man lift the Stanley Cup four times. No other player exemplifies the game of hockey the way Lidstrom does.

Yzerman will always be the Wing's captain, but there will never be a better Red Wing than Nick.

Well if this is the case, retirement. You better believe Ryan Suter will be the highest paid defenseman in the NHL...Could Suter this year and Weber next year be in the plans!?!?!? !

Anyhow, if it is just a conference call, I don't expect it'll be a retirement, but if it is indeed a presser, then adios Lids!

I remember a game vs. Chicago in your rookie year when you got hit in the visor with a mixed drink and the entire visor was covered in strawberry mix! Sorry, and all the Cups and goals and Norris', etc... Thanks Nick for 20 years! And maybe for just ONE more!

[quote name='hillbillywingsfan' timestamp='1338410042' post='2303878']So if Lids is retiring then why will ilitch not be there?[/quote]If it is retirement, I have a feeling most of the Ilitch family will be there actually as will a whole list of current & former teammates.

As much as we fans want one more year, the sportswriters want one more year it is time for Nick to retire. We've all seen the little cracks in his game that were never ever there. Everyone who has watched Lidstrom play mentions what an incredibly intelligent player he is. They are right. Nick's intelligence is what told him now was the right time physically as an athlete. We must trust that intelligence once more. He knows what's what. No hanging around for him, no third pairing minutes or simply special teams, he knows it is time as a proud player as well. We've all seen guys in every sport hang around too long and you know how sad that makes you feel. Thankfully nobody will ever ever remember Nick Lidstrom just trying to get through one more year.

We will have a grand night for him when his number hangs up next to Stevie's. Both quality captains who knew when it was time to pass the torch to a franchise well equipped to move forward.

If I were ken Holland I [i]would[/i] call Brian Burke late tonight and offer Lidstrom for Kessel. Maybe the Blue Jays game ran late and Burke hasn't heard yet.

[quote name='hillbillywingsfan' timestamp='1338410042' post='2303878']So if Lids is retiring then why will ilitch not be there?[/quote]Its a great question! Also, like I said, if it is just a conference call, no way is it a retirement...